DJI Flip: Foldable Camera Drone - $439

DJI Announces the Compact Flip Drone

Just four months following the release of the remarkably compact Neo, DJI has unveiled another small-form-factor consumer drone. The Flip builds upon DJI’s focus on foldable designs, featuring four propeller guards that neatly stack together, maximizing portability.

Bridging the Gap in DJI’s Product Line

The Flip further refines DJI’s consumer drone offerings, merging the ease of use found in the DJI Neo with the impressive photographic capabilities of the DJI Mini, according to the manufacturer. Priced at $439, this drone is positioned closer to the Mini 3 ($419) in cost, rather than the more affordable Neo ($199).

Designed for Content Creators

It’s evident that DJI is targeting photographers and videographers who desire a streamlined outdoor shooting experience. The drone is capable of recording video in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, alongside slow-motion footage at 100fps.

For still photography, the integrated camera can capture 48-megapixel images with up to 4x zoom functionality.

Weight and Battery Performance

Weighing in at 249 grams, the Flip shares the same weight as the Mavic Mini, but is considerably heavier than the Neo’s 135 grams. This increased weight translates to a substantial improvement in battery life.

The Flip offers up to 31 minutes of flight time on a single charge, compared to the Neo’s 18 minutes – a significant advantage for video recording.

Enhanced Safety and Connectivity Features

The Flip incorporates automatic braking to prevent collisions at higher altitudes. Improvements have also been made to both charging speeds and data transfer rates.

DJI describes a new Local Data Mode as being analogous to airplane mode on a smartphone, enabling disconnection from the internet during flight.

Availability and Future Outlook

Shipping of the Flip begins Tuesday within the United States. However, the company’s long-term ability to continue sales within the country remains uncertain.